First Ever Fashion week presentation : Rachel Zoe

With the hustle and bustle of Times Square just a few block away, a spacious suite tucked inside 1400 Broadway provided a festive retreat for fans and friends of celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe yesterday. But this wasn't a styling preview or a celebration for her hit show The Rachel Zoe Project - the event marked the debut of Zoe's SS12 collection for her namesake label, and her first full-fledged fashion week presentation, ever.
0digg While Zoe pranced around the suite and giddily greeted guests like Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo, the collection itself felt very much like the work of a seasoned veteran. The uptown-meets-downtown range is romantic yet sophisticated and blends vintage-inspired pieces with a touch of modernity, like the white Mousseline de Soie blouse and caramel leather pintuck short combo above. Read on for more highlights from my visit.






In true high-low Zoe fashion, I love how she styled this empire petal gown with a chunky knit cardigan to give it a more casual vibe. Her work as a stylist definitely gives her an edge in the design world, as she not only knows how to navigate the trends – she creates them.

I die for this crème macramé top and caramel leather crop pant duo. Zoe really gets how girls want to look pulled together, yet slightly unkempt. The relaxed ruched leather and loose knit reflects that.

Taking a note from spring’s top hue, Zoe sassed up this rather formal look by adding a tiny white bralette. Although the peek-a-boo detail is slightly provocative, the monochromatic style keeps it classy.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Zoe party without some vintage flair. This retro-inspired lamé jacquard dress is exquisite in person, and the printed belt cinch is a nice nod to downtown.

While the next season of The Rachel Zoe Project we’re sure to see the Vertigo-inducing days that lead up to this big day, Zoe personified peace throughout her presentation and looked calm, cool, and above all, happy.  Joined by her husband Rodger Berman, friends like Molly Sims (above), and with her son Skylar Morrison likely not far away, the stylist-designer-wife-mom is doing a pretty fantastic job having – and doing – it all.